US pressure blocks Iranian nuclear chief from entering Austria

Austrian authorities have barred Iran’s Vice President for Nuclear Affairs and head of the Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, from entering the country, preventing him from attending the opening of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, according to Bloomberg.

The agency cited a US official who said the decision followed pressure from the administration of President Donald Trump, noting that Washington opposed granting Eslami a sanctions waiver requested by the United Nations to allow his entry for the conference.

Iran’s Mehr news agency reported on Saturday that Eslami had departed Tehran for Vienna to participate in the IAEA meetings.

A lower-ranking Iranian representative is expected to deliver Eslami’s speech later in the week. However, the entry ban means a senior Iranian official will be absent from the conference’s opening.

US issues fresh warning to Tehran

Meanwhile, US Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette is preparing to use the conference to deliver a strong message to Iran, reaffirming Washington’s clear stance against Tehran developing or acquiring nuclear weapons.

According to excerpts of his speech reported by Bloomberg and attributed to a US administration official, Brouillette will call on Iran to fully cooperate with the IAEA, fulfill its safeguards obligations, and provide necessary access for agency inspectors.

This comes as the IAEA monitors new activity at the Jabal al-Fass site near Natanz, after detecting construction at the heavily fortified location, which has raised concerns about its possible connection to Iran’s nuclear program.

Last week, Trump commented on “minor activity” at Jabal al-Fass, warning Tehran against “clever maneuvers” and threatening that the US might be forced to take strong action if such activity continues.

Brouillette also plans to stress the need for the IAEA to focus on its core mission, particularly verifying nuclear safeguards compliance and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

According to Bloomberg, the US secretary affirmed that Washington will continue working with the agency and member states to advance the peaceful use of nuclear technology, while emphasizing safety, security, and non-proliferation standards.